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What does a freelance ethical hacker do?

A freelance ethical hacker is responsible for trying to gain unauthorized access to an organization’s computer network, data, or application. Due to the increase in nefarious data breaches across a number of small and large organizations, ethical hackers are hired as security experts whose sole purpose is to find vulnerabilities in security setups.

Also known as white-hat hackers, these security experts are in great demand, leading to a number of opportunities available for freelance ethical hackers. As an ethical hacker, freelancers are charged by their clients with finding vulnerabilities as well as making recommendations designed to resolve those vulnerabilities and improve a company’s overall security.

When searching for vulnerabilities, freelance ethical hackers will use many of the same methods used by malicious hackers. In fact, some freelance ethical hackers were once malicious hackers who have turned over a new leaf and now use their skills to help organizations prevent network and system breaches.

What skills do I need to become a freelance ethical hacker?

Freelance ethical hackers possess many of the same skills malicious hackers, network specialists, and computer scientists possess. Clients in search of ethical hackers place a premium on certain ethical hacker skills in order to increase insight into their potential vulnerabilities and maximize strategies to resolve them.

Common skills a freelance ethical hacker should possess include:

• Computer skills. A key skill every ethical hacker should have is the ability to work with computers. Advanced computer and technical skills, including software management and development, familiarity with operating systems and web servers, and system troubleshooting, are essential for anyone looking to identify and resolve security vulnerabilities.
• Familiarity with computer networking. Computers are rarely used as stand-alone workstations within organizations. In virtually every case, computers are connected to a larger network within a building, across several locations, and even internationally. A freelance ethical hacker must understand the inner workings of computer networks to protect clients’ local and wide area networks from internal and external threats.
• Programming skills. Capable ethical hackers possess programming skills, as they are often asked to dissect malicious software and develop software solutions designed to protect a company’s computer systems and network.
• Knowledge of basic computer hardware. Hardware can often be disabled by malicious hackers. Freelance ethical hackers should possess an understanding of how software and hardware work together to provide protection on all fronts.
• Patience. Identifying and dissecting malicious computer attacks is a tedious job. Ethical hackers must painstakingly review and resolve detailed code, commands, and instructions in order to resolve malicious attacks and restore computer and network functionality. In cases like this, patience is more than a virtue; it’s a necessity.
• Perseverance. While freelance ethical hackers and clients would love for issues to be identified and resolved immediately, they often require time and tenacity. Ethical hackers must sometimes try different solutions in different ways to finally arrive at one that successfully addresses the security issue.
• Cryptography skills. Because freelance ethical hackers will be required to make recommendations designed to protect against threats, an understanding of cryptography is essential. Cryptography skills will allow ethical hackers to design protocols and enable the conversion of normal text into nonreadable text. This practice allows computer and network users to confidently share sensitive information while protecting it from third-party adversaries during its transfer.
• Problem-solving skills. Freelance ethical hackers are in the business of problem-solving. Whether the problem has already occurred or could potentially occur, an ethical hacker should be adept at investigating the issue as well as identifying—and implementing—the right solution.
• Communication skills. Because freelance ethical hackers work closely with clients and other stakeholders in what is often a very sensitive environment, it’s incumbent upon the freelancers to ensure they communicate clearly and effectively with all team members. Doing so goes a long way in streamlining the problem-solving process and quickly finding solutions to computer vulnerabilities.

What are the core job responsibilities of a freelance ethical hacker?

While clients hiring freelance ethical hackers will list a variety of duties, a number of tasks are common from client to client and job to job.

Several core job duties freelance ethical hackers will be responsible for include:

• Conduct penetration tests of client websites, web services, APIs, networks, infrastructure, and mobile and IoT devices
• Provide consultation to technical and non-technical audiences on computer and network remediation options, and guide them through the application of those options
• Collaborate with IT and operations teams to develop new testing methods
• Automate testing methods and develop regular reports identifying threats and resolutions
• Communicate regularly with senior management regarding budgets, selection of mitigation software, and hardware acquisition

Should I get a degree or certification to become a freelance ethical hacker?

In addition to developing your skills, obtaining a degree and/or professional certification can help your Upwork profile stand out. While some freelance ethical hackers may do well without formal education or certification, it’s best to obtain these credentials in order to maximize your opportunities with potential clients.

Popular degrees or certifications helpful to freelance ethical hackers include:

• An associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in computer science, cybersecurity, networking, or information systems from an accredited college or university
• GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN)—offered by GIAC
• Certified Ethical Hacker—provided by EC-Council